First rule: water does not remove oil, it spreads it. Absorb first with a dry powder, vacuum, then treat what is left. Rubbing an oil mark with a wet cloth is the single commonest way a small spot becomes a large grey patch.
Makeup adds pigment to the problem. Foundation and lipstick contain both oil and strong colourant, so you are fighting two stains in one place, and pigment often needs professional solvent work.
First aid for oil and grease
Do this in order. Skipping the absorption step is what causes spreading.
- Scrape off any solids with a blunt edge.
- Cover the mark generously with cornflour or talc and leave for at least 15 minutes.
- Vacuum thoroughly, then repeat if the powder has clumped.
- Blot any remaining residue with a barely damp cloth, working inwards.
- Resist scrubbing, pressure drives oil deeper into the pile and into the backing.
Makeup, by type
Different products need different handling, and the wrong approach sets the pigment.
- Foundation and concealer: absorb the oil first, then treat the pigment.
- Lipstick: lift solids, then treat as a combined oil and dye stain.
- Mascara: usually water resistant, so expect solvent work rather than water.
- Loose powder and bronzer: vacuum only, never wet it, water turns powder into paste.
- Nail varnish: do not use acetone on carpet, it can dissolve synthetic fibre and backing.
When it is a professional job
A small fresh butter mark on a synthetic carpet is a fair do it yourself attempt. These are not.
- Cooking oil that has soaked through to the underlay.
- Any oil mark on wool, viscose or silk.
- Pigmented makeup that has dried, especially reds and dark browns.
- Grease on a light coloured sofa where a ring mark will show.
- Anything already treated with a shop bought solvent that has lifted the dye.